BusinessLine·2026-02-04 07:11Core Viewpoint - U.S. Gulf Coast oil refiners are facing challenges in absorbing a surge of Venezuelan crude shipments following a $2 billion supply deal between Caracas and Washington, leading to price pressures and unsold volumes [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Demand and Supply Dynamics - Soft U.S. demand poses an early challenge for the U.S. administration's plans to increase Venezuelan oil imports, especially after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro [2]. - Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S. nearly tripled to 284,000 barrels per day (bpd) last month, but refiners are struggling to find buyers due to high prices compared to Canadian heavy grades [5][4]. - Before sanctions in 2019, the U.S. was importing around 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan oil, but exports dropped to zero by mid-2025 [6]. Group 2: Refiners' Capacity and Pricing - Phillips 66 can process approximately 250,000 bpd of Venezuelan crude, but competitive pricing is essential for these grades to replace other heavy oil sources [7]. - Venezuelan heavy oil is currently offered at about $9.50 per barrel below benchmark Brent, while Canadian WCS crude is trading at a discount of about $10.25 per barrel under Brent [4][5]. Group 3: Export and Trading Developments - Chevron increased its Venezuelan oil exports to 220,000 bpd in January from 99,000 bpd in December, but must manage storage or marketing for excess production [8]. - Vitol and Trafigura exported around 12 million barrels (approximately 392,000 bpd) from Venezuelan ports in January, primarily to Caribbean storage terminals, with much of it still unsold [10][11]. - Total Venezuelan oil exports rose to nearly 800,000 bpd last month, up from 498,000 bpd in December, with the U.S. now controlling Venezuela's oil sales following Maduro's capture [11]. Group 4: International Trade Relations - The U.S. has allowed China to purchase Venezuelan oil under conditions that prevent "unfair, undercut" pricing, but China has halted purchases while assessing the situation [12]. - A potential new market for Venezuelan oil could emerge from India, as a recent trade deal may lead to increased imports of Venezuelan oil [13].